Reading some old posts on this (Advice for Solo W) forum should put your mind at ease. Search on "Italy" for more specific threads, including this one:
http://eurotrip.com/…

Thank you so much! after reading those, i don’t feel so nervous and I don’t think im going to skip Italy anymore!

I just went to Italy, and the funny thing is while I’ve had minor problems in other countries of this sort, in Italy I had none at all. So maybe just luck (of course I’m getting older too).

I’ve only had a couple problems- both in Florence..a nice slap on the ass being one, but I survived. Actually had much worse happen in Paris, so I don’t necessarily think it’s only only Italy. Definitely don’t skip Italy!! Just make sure you’re very firm with the word "no"!

im going to Rome also myself this summer and was a bit worried too. even tho im staying wiv a friend there when hes working ill be on my own and was a bit worried about this as im quite petite but i feel much betta reading these threads, thanks!

Out of curiousty (and a bit of naivity as well), what exactly would happen if you weren’t TOO firm?
Would they just follow you around?
Ha, please don’t laugh, I know it sounds very sheltered but I honestly don’t know and would like to hear what would happen if someone just ignored the men, or wasn’t very firm.

thanks

Jen: Most likely nothing. Most men get the hint if they’re ignored or sent fairly mild negative signals, but the guy who thinks that anything short of the firmest "no" really means "yes" exists in every culture. It SEEMS like there are a few more of the guys who think they’re so irresistable that you must mean "yes" in Italy, but in reality, probably no more than in the US.

there is absolutely nothing to worry about, i went there when i was 16. . .all alone. . .granted a speak the language. . .but if was nothing. . .they hit on you sure. . .but nothing more than your everday construction worker would do here

<3